Uzbekistan

Historical Background

Uzbekistan, the most populous and arguably the most powerful state in
Central Asia, has a long and magnificent history. Located between two
rivers--the Amu Darya to the north and the Syrdariya to the south--the
region that is modern Uzbekistan has been one of the cradles of world
civilization. Some of the world's oldest sedentary populations and several
of its most ancient cities are located here. Beginning at the height of
the Roman Empire, the region was a crossroads on the transcontinental
trade routes between China and the West. Subject to constant invasion and
to in-migration of nomads from the great grasslands to the north,
Uzbekistan became a region of legendary conquests where various peoples
with different traditions have consistently had to live together.